Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Expungement of Multiple Criminal Records

This bill would allow people in Rhode Island who have been convicted of more than one felony or misdemeanor to apply to have their criminal records expunged — meaning those records would essentially be erased or sealed from public view. Under current law, there are significant limitations on expungement for people with multiple convictions. This bill would expand eligibility so that individuals with more than one offense on their record could also seek a fresh start.

The bill also lays out specific criteria that a court should use when deciding whether someone qualifies for expungement. In particular, the court would evaluate whether the person demonstrates "good moral character." The bill provides a defined set of factors for judges to consider when making that determination, which is intended to give courts clearer guidance and make the process more consistent and transparent.

This legislation would primarily affect Rhode Islanders who have criminal records involving multiple convictions and who are currently unable to have those records cleared. A criminal record can create significant barriers to finding employment, housing, and educational opportunities, so expungement can have a meaningful impact on a person's ability to reintegrate into society. At the same time, the bill maintains judicial oversight by requiring the court to assess each applicant's character before granting expungement.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The committee has recommended holding the measure for further study, with a hearing scheduled for April 2, 2026.